Act I, Scene VII
Soranzo is sitting against a column in a garden and reading a book with one hand. He is reading aloud.
Soranzo: "Love's measure... is extreme, the comfort, pain; The Life unrest, and the reward disdain."
He shakes his head with awe and surprise, a reaction to the material in the book.
VASQUES notices this from a distance and enters from SL.
SORANZO’S back is facing him.
Vasques: Apologies for neglecting duties, sir!
SORANZO is startled and turns to face VASQUES.
Soranzo: Who in their right mind would interrupt me at such a—
Vasques: It's the mistress, sir.
Soranzo: Who?
HIPPOLITA enters.
Hippolita: Me!
SORANZO looks at VASQUES with anger and frustration.
Soranzo: (hoarse whisper) Vasques!
Vasques: I tried, sir. I did.
Hippolita: Excuse me?!
Soranzo: Vasques, by my life, how could you?
Vasques: I am sorry, sir.
HIPPOLITA’S posture telegraphs anger and betrayal.
Hippolita: How dare thee, Soranzo! How dare thee!
Make Things Right
SORANZO:
HIPPOLITA I CAN'T MARRY YOU
IT IS NOT WRITTEN IN THE STARS
THE THINGS THAT YOU SAY TO ME
ARE SO UNCLEAR
THAT I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE
SO PRAY
AND GIVE ME SOME SPACE
I SAY
SO YOU CAN SAVE FACE
I'LL LEAVE YOU ALONE
FOR YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN
COME WHAT MAY
HIPPOLITA:
SORANZO, YOU PIG
YOU PROMISED ME YOU WOULD STAY
THIS IS A LIE
THAT YOU MUST DENY
MAKE THINGS RIGHT
VASQUES:
SHE SAYS THAT YOU OWE HER MARRIAGE
AND IT'S SOMETHING THAT YOU MUST DO
SHE SAYS THAT YOU TWO SHOULD BE ELOPED
WAS THIS PROMISE SOMETHING MADE WITH YOU?
SOPRANZO:
PRAY, I THINK SHE'S INSANE
IF I MAY
TELL YOU MY MISTAKE
I INSINUATED
A MARRIAGE
WITH SOMEONE ELSE
HIPPOLITA:
SORANZO,
YOU MUST FIGHT
CORRECT WHAT'S WRONG
MAKE THINGS RIGHT
SORANZO rushes off.
VASQUES, HE IS SUCH A FOOL
HOW HE MOCKS AND ACTS AND TREATS ME
LIKE A SHREW
AND YET…
I ADMIT MY MISTAKE
I WILL NOT BE FAKED
REVENGE IS UPON ME NOW
AND JUSTICE
WILL BE SERVED
I'LL SHOW HIM THE DOOR
REVEAL HE'S A WHORE!
MAKE HIS FAMILY ABHOR
HIS CRUEL WAYS
THAT ENCOMPASS
HIM TODAY
To be continued...